WBro Craig Cox PAGDC, the Provincial Grand Treasurer, was Invested by the PGM, R W Bro Ian Kingsbury JP, as new Asst. PGM for the Province on Thursday 12th September under the banner of the Lodge of St Peter’s No. 1125 (Tiverton).

The PGM appointed W Bro Craig, who is a Tiverton resident, following the recent and sad resignation (for family reasons) of W Bro Chris Yard. A request was made to the WM of St Peter’s No. 1125, W Bro Ramsay Hutchinson PPrJGD, to host a special Investiture Meeting to which the Lodge readily agreed and postponed their normal meeting by one day to accommodate this unique Ceremony.

After the Lodge had been opened, the PGM demanded admission and accepted the gavel from W Bro Ramsay. A full team of Provincial Officers took over the various Offices with W Bro Rob Summers ProvGSW and W Bro Antony Eldred ProvGJW, assuming the Wardens’ Chairs and W Bro Keith Williams ProvGDC directing proceedings. W Bro Craig was then admitted to be Obligated and Invested by the PGM as Asst. PGM with an Escort from his Mother Lodge, Virtue & Honor Lodge No. 494, of W Bro Jim Rowe PGJD, W Bro Simon Dunn PAGDC, W Bro Andrew Moulding PPrJGW, W Bro Philip Male PPrGSupWks and W Bro Gary Sims as Cushion Bearer for the Chain of Office.

As well as with his Mother Lodge and being a Member of North Devon Masters’ Lodge No. 9316, W Bro Craig enjoys his Freemasonry near and far, being the current WM of Blundell’s Lodge No. 5467 (London) and Football Lodge No. 9921 (Hampshire and I.o.W.) and visitors from his Lodges were all present to support him. W Bro James Jarvis LGR, Blundell’s Lodge DC, came all the way from London whilst W Bro Barrie Hewitt PSGD, Asst PGM of Hampshire and I.o.W., also a Member of Football Lodge came along together with the Lodge Primus Master, W Bro David Lallana PAGSwdB (father of Liverpool and England footballer, Adam Lallana) and the Lodge DC W Bro Bill Starkey PAGSwdB who all provided support “from the terraces”. W Bro Craig is an ex-football referee and currently works as a Referee Assessor on the Premier and Football Leagues so getting support rather than abuse from the stands was a welcome change!

A vibrant and capacity “crowd” was present in both the Temple and Festive Board to celebrate W Bro Craig’s elevation to his new role and sincere thanks are due to W Bro Gary Auger PPrAGDC, who did so much of the work in putting together the dining as well as the St Peter’s Lodge Secretary, W Bro David Hodson-Whittle.